Military Experience

At the time of Sergeant (0348) William Gilbert World War One enlistment he was living at Ballarat East. He was a member of the 15th Field Company, Australian Engineers, [3] and member of the 1st Tunnelling Company. [4]

Medals and Honours

In June 1918 William Gilbert received a Military Cross 'For conspicuous gallantry and untiring devotion to duty. From 29th September to 1st October 1918, in the vicinity of Bellicourt and Estrees, he repeatedly carried out forward reconnaissances under continuous shell fire, and obtained valuable information on location and condition of wells, roads, cellars and dug-outs, and furnished the first reconnaissance reports of the captured portion of the Bellicourt Tunnel.' (As mentioned in the London Gazette).[5]

Can you assist this project by supplying photos or more information on William Gilbert? We are looking for copies of photographs and memorabilia relating to tunnellers from the Ballarat Electorate. If you can help, please drop us a line: